The humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka is worsening day by day after the extreme weather that caused widespread flooding and landslides. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but there is much evidence that hundreds of people have lost their lives and tens of thousands of families are without homes, security and livelihoods. The need for food, clean water and shelter is urgent. 

IOGT-NTO Movement is contributing SEK 150,000 in emergency aid as part of an in-depth collaboration with the Norwegian sister organization FORUT. Through established local partner organizations in Sri Lanka, the support can quickly reach people in the hardest-hit areas, with emergency assistance in the form of food, clean water and shelter. 

- Sri Lanka is facing one of its largest humanitarian crises in decades. In a disaster that affects so deeply and so widely, cooperation is not only important, it is vital. By joining forces with FORUT, we can reach more children and families with food, water and security in the acute phase, while strengthening the foundation for long-term reconstruction efforts, says Johanna Davén, Secretary General of the IOGT-NTO Movement. 

FORUT also highlights the importance of collaboration: 

- When the crisis is as big as it is in Sri Lanka now, every contribution means a lot. The collaboration with IOGT-NTO Movement makes it possible for us to reach even more families with food, water and security in a completely emergency situation, says Ida Oleanna Hagen, Secretary General of FORUT. 

The gift is possible thanks to a generous will from Stig and Ing-Britt Kroon. Stig Kroon was a passionate member of the IOGT-NTO movement and one of those who built up the organization's international fundraising efforts. He had a special commitment to Sri Lanka and made a big difference for children and families in the country for many years. 

- That his gift can now support people in such an urgent and vulnerable situation feels both deeply meaningful and a continuation of the commitment Stig carried with him throughout his life, says Johanna Davén. 

Together, the effort shows that solidarity and cooperation across borders make a concrete difference, both in the acute phase and in the long-term reconstruction work. 

Read more about FORUT's work in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka – FORWARD
Read more about IOGT-NTO Movement's work in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka: Southeast Asia – Our work in Southeast Asia IOGT-NTO-Rörelsen movement